Ankle Brachial Index

Definition

Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) is a common objective measurement of the lower limb arterial blood flow. ABI is the ratio of the average systolic blood pressure measured in brachial/ankle arteries. Briefly, measurements are generally performed twice on both sides at rest in brachial arteries and pedal and/or posterior tibial arteries using a doppler ultrasonic instrument to detect the pulses, an inflation cuff adapted to lower limb and either a mercury sphygmomanometer or other devices. The cutpoint defining Lower Extremity Arterial Disease (LEAD) is an ABI lower than 0.90.